Last time we talked about how to begin building the mind's powerful framework for success. The lesson we needed to learn was that self-talk has a powerful affect on the results we achieve. We learned that the mind will manifest whatever we dwell on, be it negative or positive.

This week, I would like to continue with our discussion of self-talk and suggest how you may supercharge your self-talk and the results you achieve through the use of affirmations.

Affirmations are a powerful mental programming technique that are underutilized and laughed at by many. You may remember the Saturday Night Live skit with Stuart Smiley sitting in front of the mirror saying "I'm good enough; I'm smart enough and doggone-it, people like me!" The image of this character makes one laugh, however when understood in the context of how powerful Stuart's technique really is, it shouldn't!

Affirm means to "make firm." So affirmation simply means to make a strong statement that something is already so. We know that we will eventually reap whatever our conscious mind sows onto the field of the subconscious. So through affirmations we will develop into whatever image of ourselves we create, be it good or bad. I suggest using positive affirmations to develop into all that you desire to be!

One of the most poignant examples of the power of affirmations comes from the boxing legend Muhammed Ali. When you think of Muhammed Ali, what vision comes to mind? Actually, two visions come to my mind:

The first is of Ali standing in the ring over a defeated opponent with a sweat covered face, surrounded by his trainers. Ali yells, "I'm the king of the world, I am the greatest, I'm Muhammed Ali. I shook up the world, I am the greatest, I'm king of the world. I'm pretty, I'm pretty, I'm a baaaad man, you heard me, I'm a baaad man."

The second is of Ali wrapped in his boxing robe, dancing from side to side before a bout. He exclaims, "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee." Is this simply brash talk from yet another cocky athlete? I don't believe so. I believe that Muhammed Ali knew the power of affirmations. He spoke what he wanted to be, and as a result became it.

For the purposes of improving yourself and achieving the successes you've always desired, I want you to take it on faith that affirmations DO work. Give it a try, if only for a couple months and then make up your mind whether to keep using them.

In order to do this, you will need to know some basics about how to get the most out of affirmations. First, the subconscious mind does not understand the future tense. When you use affirmations, you should always speak of the present. The past does work but not nearly as well. Speak as if the things you want are happening in your life right now. For example, if your goal is to become the manager of a division you currently work in, you need to picture it now:

"I am enjoying the title and responsibility of being manager for the ABC Division of XYZ Company and am doing successful and important work. I am being recognized by my peers and my employer for my good and honorable efforts."

The affirmations need to be positive and personal! You should usually start your statement with "I." The affirmation should be specific. Tell your mind exactly what it is that you want and you will get better results.

The affirmation should also be short, easy to remember, and easy to apply.

Finally, your affirmation should be emotionally intense! Don't just say it, BELIEVE IT. Shout it at the top of your lungs if you must, but convince your mind, no matter how hard, that it is actually true. This is so important! Your success in using affirmations will live or die on how intensely you can get your mind to buy into your spoken words.

I believe that you should write down and repeat your affirmations at least twice a day. I recommend that you do it as soon as you wake up and right before you go to bed. Your assignment for the next two weeks is to write down five affirmations that you want in your life. Repeat them, at least twice a day, for two weeks. If you do so, I believe that you will be quickly on the path to achieving the success you desire.

To Your Success, Joel

_______________________________________ Joel S. Nelson operates Harvest Mind Enterprises, an operation targeted to individuals interested in developing personally by harvesting the power of the subconscious mind. For more articles on the topic, go to http://www.harvestyourmind.com/newsletter.html